Jackson, Tennessee, Personal Injury & Workers' Compensation Law Blog

Employers accused of denying pay in workers' compensation fraud

On behalf of Boren & Boyd, PLC posted in workers' compensation on Thursday, November 7, 2019.

The possibility of suffering a work-related injury can never be underestimated. For those who are employed in the more dangerous occupations, the knowledge that workers' compensation is usually available may help ease employees' worries when engaging in a high-risk task. Unfortunately, even the most experienced Tennessee worker could find him- or herself facing a serious injury under the wrong circumstances.

The owners of one company were recently charged with fraud when they allegedly conspired to cheat employees out of full-time benefits from workers' compensation. The fraud was discovered after an employee suffered serious injuries. The worker and the company owner were using a scissors lift on the day of the accident. According to the report, the owner lost control of the machinery, and it slid down an embankment into a pond. Both men were trapped under water, though the owner was able to quickly free himself.

Hearing loss in the workplace is widely preventable

On behalf of Boren & Boyd, PLC on Tuesday, October 29, 2019.

When you think of workplace hazards, you mind might turn to things like fall risks, electrocutions and similar factors. One that people don't usually think about is noise. Hearing loss is the third most common physical condition classified as chronic in this country. Arthritis and high blood pressure are the only conditions that are more prevalent.

More than 11% of people who work in this country have trouble hearing. Around one-fourth of hearing loss cases are related to working conditions. These cases are preventable if the employees have the proper ear protections, but noise isn't the only risk for hearing loss.

A driver who doesn't maintain their vehicle is possibly negligent

On behalf of Boren & Boyd, PLC on Thursday, October 24, 2019.

Motor vehicles are a convenience that also creates substantial risk for injury and even death. Quite a few people seem to have forgotten the danger a vehicle poses, as evidenced by dangerous driving practices and a disinterested approach to vehicle maintenance. Everyone on the road should do their part to stay safe. Those who don't endanger themselves and others.

If another driver causes a crash that hurts you, you may have the right to take action against them. Bringing a civil case against a driver is an option if either negligence or a wrongful act contributed to the crash. Many people understand that texting at the wheel is a form of negligence. Another common form of negligence that people often overlook is a failure to properly maintain the vehicle.

Study reveals which states see most drunk driving car accidents

On behalf of Boren & Boyd, PLC posted in car accidents on Thursday, October 24, 2019.

According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2017, the majority of fatal accidents caused by intoxicated drivers involved motorists whose Blood Alcohol Content exceeded the national standard of .08. Indeed, more than half of drunk driving car accidents involved drivers whose levels were nearly double the legal limits. There are several states where drunk driving is a serious issue, and while Tennessee did not make the top 10, it still sees more than its share of fatalities.

In spite of the law banning underage drinking, teens are still drinking and driving. Furthermore, those who have been drinking are also more likely to transport under-aged passengers. Though states have passed laws for zero tolerance for under-aged drinking, the problem continues. The 21-34 group is the most likely to be involved in a fatal crash involving alcohol. In addition, many of these drivers had BAC levels that exceeded the legal limits.

Workers' compensation often provides much-needed support

On behalf of Boren & Boyd, PLC posted in workers' compensation on Wednesday, October 9, 2019.

Those who work in the construction industries face various potential hazards from both equipment and falls. If those two factors combine during an unforeseen accident, workers can suffer serious or even fatal injuries. Tennessee workers who have been injured on the job often rely on the benefits provided by the workers' compensation insurance program to get them through difficult circumstances.

Recently, emergency responders were called to a science museum in another state in response to a call about an injured worker. The 51-year-old man was helping to renovate the building's electrical system. As the independent contractor was attempting to lift an electrical panel unit with a forklift, the flooring beneath the machinery gave way. The machine landed on the man, trapping his arm. According to reports, the worker's arm was punctured by the tines of the forklift.

Commercial vehicle crashes are often preventable

On behalf of Boren & Boyd, PLC on Tuesday, October 1, 2019.

Only employees who have undergone training should drive commercial vehicles. When employers skimp on safe driving programs, the general public faces an increased risk. Many of the common reasons commercial vehicle crashes occur are preventable.

By taking steps to do this, companies can help to protect their profit margin and reduce the number of innocent people who suffer injuries in these crashes. Even drivers who aren't part of the company can boost safety.

Families may seek relief from damages via wrongful death lawsuits

On behalf of Boren & Boyd, PLC posted in wrongful death on Wednesday, September 25, 2019.

The loss of a loved one is a tragedy from which families may never fully recover. If that death was sudden, as happens in a traffic accident, the emotional pain may only be exacerbated by the financial burdens these accidents often impose. Under some circumstances, Tennessee families may seek relief from these economic burdens through a wrongful death civil claim.

Recently, one family received te shocking news that their loved one was killed in a horrific crash with a commercial vehicle. According to Tennessee police, a 49-year-old woman was traveling north along a local road. For reasons that are still unclear, the driver of a dump truck, headed southbound, veered over the center line and crashed into the woman's vehicle.

Teens more likely to cause distracted driving car accidents

On behalf of Boren & Boyd, PLC posted in car accidents on Tuesday, September 10, 2019.

According to statistics compiled by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, teen drivers pose a significant danger to fellow travelers. For the five-year span between 2013 and 2017, an estimated 3,500 people were killed in car accidents caused by teenage drivers. In Tennessee and elsewhere helping teenagers develop safe driving skills is important.

The AAA study found that some of the more serious crashes were attributed to motorists speeding or being under the influence of intoxicating substances. Data for the study used information involving teen drivers between the ages of 15 to 18. Those with learner's permits and restricted licenses were also included in the statistics.

Are you following these ladder safety tips on the job?

On behalf of Boren & Boyd, PLC on Monday, September 2, 2019.

When using a ladder at work, it's critical that your safety takes top priority. Even though you have a task to complete, you don't want to make any mistakes that will put your health and well-being at risk.

There are many safety tips you can follow to avoid trouble when using a ladder. Here are five that will enhance your safety and put your mind at ease:

Inspect your ladder before use: Defects and damage can result in an accident, so inspect your ladder before taking the first step. From missing rivets and bolts to rust, you never know what you'll find.
Don't place your ladder close to traffic: If your ladder is too close to pedestrian and/or vehicular traffic, there's a greater chance of someone or something knocking into it.
Place your ladder on level ground: It may take some searching around to find level ground, but it's critical to your safety. Also, make sure the ground is firm enough to hold your ladder in place while in use.
Don't carry heavy loads: Carrying a heavy load when ascending or descending increases the likelihood of falling. If you begin to lean, the weight of the load can pull you off the ladder.
Maintain three points of contact: Keep both hands and one foot or both feet and one hand on the ladder at all times. This will help you maintain control of your body, while also preventing a fall.

When another driver texts, is it criminal or just negligent?

On behalf of Boren & Boyd, PLC on Saturday, August 31, 2019.

The decisions that other people make can leave you or people that you love in unnecessary danger. For example, people who choose to drink and then drive endanger the people who encounter them on the road. The same can easily be said about people who text and drive.

Most people readily acknowledge how dangerous texting at the wheel can be, but that doesn't stop everyone from looking down at their phones or trying to send a message while driving. People who have their hands and their eyes on their phone instead of on the steering wheel of their vehicle will have longer reaction times that could easily contribute to a major motor vehicle wreck.